Stringent security measures adopted

Punjab Police arranged stringent security for by-elections in 20 constituencies of the province by deploying at least 52,000 policemen at over 3,100 polling stations. IG Punjab Rao Sardar Ali Khan continuously monitored the situation in the Election Control Room established at the Central Police Office, said a spokesperson for the Punjab Police. Punjab Police were assisted by teams from paramilitary forces.

The spokesperson said that for a peaceful election, Punjab Police enacted a comprehensive strategy. Election materials were delivered on time to all polling stations in the 20 constituencies across Punjab. Male and female police officers performed their duties impartially.

Female officials were posted at women’s polling booths and the polling process was not allowed to be affected in any station, while ensuring strict implementation of code of conduct set out by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Punjab Police took strict legal action against the brandishing of weapons, aerial firing, fighting, dismantling camps of political opponents and violations of the Loudspeaker Act. The Election Control Room remained closely connected with the Provincial Election Commission.

The Punjab Police spokesperson further said that anti-riot and additional reserve units were on standby in sensitive districts to maintain law and order. He added that even after the results are released, elements disturbing the peace will be in the firm grip of the law.

In the provincial capital, CCPO Lahore DIG Bilal Siddique Kamyana visited various polling stations, camp offices and police pickets to inspect security arrangements. CTO Muntazer Mehdi, SPs, SDPOs and other officers accompanied him. As many as 10,000 police officers and personnel were deployed in sensitive areas of Lahore’s four constituencies, at polling buildings, polling stations, pickets, rooftops and other points.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2022.